...English II Assigned Essay When Opposing Passions Merge In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, dualities vie for the soul of an emerging American generation. The novel proves that opposing passions, such as love and hate, paradoxically coexist in the human spirit, and they dictate the actions of Hawthorne’s multifaceted characters. Although such emotions may be similar, one transcends the other. Hawthorne’s novel, on the surface, often teems with hatred; but love is at the root, both driving and transforming destructive social interactions. Hatred is a superficial passion that develops in the character’s souls, emanating from—often perverse, confused, and hidden—love. In the novel, Roger Chillingworth’s life and spirit are dominated by his fierce desire to destroy the man who had an illicit affair with his wife. Chillingworth “digs into the poor clergyman’s heart, like a miner searching for gold” (113), scouring Dimmesdale’s psyche for hints of dishonesty. He becomes obsessed with his secret plot for revenge, and before long, his malicious intentions distort his physical appearance. The physician transforms into a walking emblem of hatred. The town realizes: “Now, there was something ugly and evil in his face, which they had not previously noticed” (112). Behind Chillingworth’s gloomy countenance, however, lies a motivation deeper than his desire for revenge: his enduring love for Hester. As he says to Hester while visiting her in prison, “I drew thee into my heart, into...
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...HIST 330 A Woman’s Place Anne Hutchinson lived during the colonial period of American history and during this period Puritan women lived under feme covert. Although women lived under feme covert, Puritans believed that there should be great love and respect in marriages with no domestic abuse. Ideal Puritan women were known as goodwives who were the backbone to their home and marriage, however Puritans did not convey equality among genders. According to historian Ellen Carol DuBois, “In the 1630s, leaders faced a major controversy regarding both religious orthodoxy and gender assumptions”(TWE, 73). This controversy left women like Anne Hutchinson in the middle of gender oppression and silenced opinions since women were not allowed to challenge male authority or offer their own biblical interpretations. Anne Hutchinson was a midwife and the daughter of a preacher, she was was described as “a woman of haughty and fierce carriage, of a nimble wit and active spirit, and a very voluble tongue, more bold than a man…”(Reader, 5). She was a woman who challenged the idea that women were not allowed to voice their opinions about religion. Allegations of heresy were conducted against her after she was convicted of holding formal religious meetings in her home that also contested the status of women. While on trial she asked the court if there was a rule against her teaching since before she arrived there were such meetings previously held. She also gave an example of scripture giving...
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...The Puritan Contribution to American Culture In 1630, a group called the Puritans made their way to the New World, a part of it that would later become America. They brought with them a uniquely structured culture of their time, a structure shaped by factors of ideology and necessity that was to be shaped further by extenuating circumstances down the road. The Puritans undoubtedly had a massive impact on an infant America so long ago, an impact that can be seen to this day. With both forerunners to modern American ideology and social and political practices, and twisted stigmas that would take generations to water down and wash out, the Puritans left a mixed American legacy, but one that played a vital part in developing American society. The Puritans were, at heart, a religious group. Indeed, that was the primary purpose for which they left Europe and traveled to the New World: they desired the ability to assert their own religious practices in what they considered an empty world without persecution by a group with more power and conflicting ideas. This resulted in a variety of beneficial results as regards the common wealth, but was interspersed with a few less than benevolent practices. One of the better religious contributions, interestingly enough, came from the idea of predestination, the idea that no matter what an individual does, their fate to either heaven or hell has already been decided. This idea spurred people on to try to prove to their fellow inhabitants that...
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...Similarities and Differences between Anne Hutchinson and Hester Prynne While many people may feel that Anne Hutchinson has nothing in common with Hester Pyrnne they actually more alike than most people would think. Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of “The Scarlet Letter,” used many references to Anne Hutchinson in his book. During his life, he wrote a sketch of Hutchinson thus portraying his interest towards her and the characteristics of her life. It could be accurate to say that Anne Hutchinson was used as a guide to make the character of Hester Prynne. Therefore, Hawthorne creates Hester’s character to resemble and to differ from Hutchinson. Hester Prynne and Anne Hutchinson show their similarities and differences through those who influenced them, their religious beliefs, leadership, and personalities. In the beginning of each of their lives Hutchinson and Pyrnne both started at a divergent road. Hester had an impulsive behavior. Her parents had to always keep an eye on her because she was oblivious and incautious. She married at smart man while she was young and tried to convince herself she was happy. Anne, on the hand, was forced into a life that made her strong and intelligent. Her father had been imprisoned for preaching against English ministers. Later, Anne was taught by her father of his religious views. She read many of his theology and religion books. This influenced her religious views and made her into the strong minded female. Both of these women show differences...
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...Hidden Sin vs Expressed Sin Consequences of sin can vary, as hidden sin and exposed sin are expressed in different ways. In The Scarlet Letter, the two main characters Dimmesdale and Hester demonstrate their own dealings with sin. As the two had earlier committed adultery, only Hester confessed her sin, whereas Dimmesdale kept it a secret.. This hidden sin caused Dimmesdale internal punishment, as he resorted to fasting, and whipping himself. In Mr. Dimmesdale’s closet, “there was a bloody scourge. Oftentimes. . .[Dimmesdale] plied it on his own shoulders. . . [it was also] his custom. . . to fast. . . He thus typified the constant introspection wherewith he tortured, but could not purify, himself” (Hawthorne 99). As Dimmesdale's guilt accumulated overtime, he tried to purify himself with methods of self-punishment. Unsuccessful, Dimmesdale was left to suffer as Hester was redeeming her sin. One day Dimmesdale admits to Hester, “I should have long ago have thrown off these garments of mock holiness, and have shown myself to mankind as they will see me at the judgement-seat. Happy are you. . . Mine burns in secret! Thou little knowest what a relief is” (Hawthorne 131). Internally and emotionally, Dimmesdale was suffering with his sin. Dimmesdale’s sin slowly drained the life out of him, showing that although the public may not torture you, a person’s own self-guilt will be more malicious. In contrast, Hester Prynne admitted her crime and became an outcast in society. The town...
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...In the seventieth century there was a memorable and courageous woman who died for her beliefs. She was a very well educated woman. She was a Quaker and a very outspoken one may I add. She was also a supporter of Anne Hutchinson, a very prominent woman in America back then. She was hung for defying a Puritan law which banned Quakers from the colonies. This woman’s name was Mary Dyer. Not much is known of Mary Barrett Dyer’s early life. On October 27th, 1663 the first known history of Mary Dyer was noted. She married William Dyer, a very successful merchant, in London. William and Mary added on to the family by giving birth to six children. In 1635 they all migrated to the Massachusetts Bay colony where they had been accepted as members of the Church of Boston. They both realized they found themselves in a place full of controversy involving antinomianism which is holding under the Gospel that moral law is not useful for salvation because faith alone can only accomplish this. Another Quaker woman in Boston, Anne Hutchinson held regular religious meetings at her house where William and Mary often attended. In 1652 Mary and her husband traveled to England where they remained for five long years. This was when she became a Quaker. She had then returned to Boston to spread the message of the Quakers but was sadly imprisoned. Luckily her husband, since he had not adopted the Quakers customs was able to set her free. Mary dyer was a woman who fought for what she believed in. She was...
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...abundant job opportunities that America has to offer them. The United States is a great land, full of freedom and opportunity. Our Bill of Rights separated church and state, but before that time, religion was often used to dominate and control settlers. When Anne Hutchison left England in 1634, headed for America, she dreamed of a land where she was going to be free to practice her religion freely, but instead she found that being a woman and speaking of religion would only bring heartache and persecution. Anne Hutchison was born in Alford, Lincolnshire, England. Her actual birthdate is unknown, but she was baptized Anne Marbury on July 20, 1591. She was the daughter of Francis Marbury, a minister, and Bridgette Dryden-Marbury. She moved to London as a teenager, but returned to Alford when she married William Hutchinson at the age of twenty-one in 1612. Anne and William had fifteen children by 1630, losing three as infants. Women, during this time, usually didn’t have access to a formal education, but Anne was homeschooled because her parents believed their daughter should have an education. She was a natural thinker and loved to read. During her time, intellectualism was mainly theology and religion. Anne and her husband became followers of a puritan minister named John Cotton. Like many puritans, Cotton migrated to America and settled in Massachusetts. In 1634, The Hutchisons sailed to America, following Cotton. Francis Marbury, Anne’s father was a deacon at Christ...
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...Anne Hutchinson’s trial provides an insight into early colonial society in the Americas, specifically the common mindset of peoples and religious bodies in the Massachusetts area. In her trial, there are two major charges the Governor, John Winthrop, lays against her. His first charge regards the harbouring of meetings that go against the will of the church and of God. Hutchinson challenges Gov. Winthrop and while not disputing her involvement in the meetings, says that her actions regarding these meetings break no laws and that she did not take part in any of the rebellious group’s actions directly, including the signing of their petition. Gov. Winthrop then tells her that her actions were illegal despite her claims, to which Hutchinson replies “What...
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...active spirit, a very voluble tongue, more bold than a man."-Governor Winthrop. This description of Anne Hutchison was exactly right. Anne’s early life was safe from extreme chaos until her trial of heresy started in November 1637, when she fought for religious freedom and persevered though persecution until death. Even after Anne Hutchison’s death, her descendants became a significant part of shaping America. Anne Hutchinson’s birthdate is not known, however historians do know that she was the daughter of a discredited Anglican clergyman. During her childhood, Anne was deeply influenced by her father. He was a rebellious man who had many problems with the Anglican philosophy. These problems effected Anne’s mental health later in her life. As an adult, she married a merchant named William Hutchison in 1612. Amazingly, this couple had 15 children together....
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...MacKenzie, T. Unit 1 Exam ID's Anne Hutchinson - Arrived in Boston in 1631 was a midwife and "visible saint" judged by her puritian establishment. In the Massachusetts colony it was not ok for you to have your own opinion on religion as Anne Hutchinson did, you were looked upon as a "trouble maker" or "outspoken person" therefore subject to bannishment from the colony as Hutchinson was in 1637. Henry VII - He established the Tudor Dynasty lasting from 1484 to 1603, became the king of England had himself declared head of the Church of England in 1534. During his rule royal revenue increased by him selling confiscated land from the Catholic church England's land-owning elite. John Winthrop - A 29yr old Oxford trained attorney and first governor of the Massachusetts colony in the mid 1600's. His faith leadership kept the puritans in his colony in the church and for the most part out of any trouble. Wouldn't hesitate to bannish "trouble makers" or outspoken individuals from the colony. Bacon's Rebellion - The Virginia planters in the outlying areas in 1776 lead by Nathaniel Bacon. Planetrs in this area would aquire more lands by forcing and killing Indians off their lands. They had asked the leaders in Jamestown to form an expidetion against the Indians, when they were not suported they formed their own army of 500 men. The only thing that this accomplished was a way for everyone to seek lower labor costs, bringing in more black slaves. Salem Witchcraft Trials -...
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...Literary Analysis Short Essay Based on the Poetry of Anne Bradstreet, the men are superior to the women in the Puritan society and women are relegated to traditional roles. Anne Bradstreet lived in the 1600’s in the British Colonies in the US with her family. She was pretty spectacular because she was a good writer, which was rare for a female at that time. Anne Bradstreet was well educated but she did not publish her work. She only wrote for herself, family and a close group of friends because she knew that it would not be a good thing for a woman to publish a book at that time. The gender role was very specific and it was only men who wrote books. “One of her closest friends, Anne Hutchinson, who was also a religious and educated woman had made the mistake of airing her views publicly, and was banished from her community”. Her writing was though published later. A family member stole actually her work and brought it to England where it was published in 1650. The book did very well in the stores. The book was about her life experiences including her relationship to her husband, family and religion. “One of the most interesting aspects of her work is the context in which she wrote; an atmosphere where the search for knowledge was frowned upon as being against God’s will, and where women are relegated to traditional roles.” And in her other Poem, “To My Dear and Loving Husband”, she manifested that her love to her husband is the biggest. She would not swap him for any material...
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...Essay Octavio Paz, among others, has called Puritan society a culture based on the principle of exclusion. With particular references to Winthrop, Edwards and historical events, discuss the evidence of this principle in Puritan life and culture. ______________________________________________ One may hear or read that the people who founded the early United States of America came to the “New World” in order to practice their religious convictions in peace and freedom, without being persecuted. They are often cited as examples. John Winthrop for instance, who was the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, has been quoted as a source of inspiration by numerous US presidents such as John Fitzgerald Kennedy or Ronald Reagan. Yet, one may consider that John Winthrop and Puritans in general are far from representing a tradition of tolerance and freedom. Looking at history and core principles of Puritanism, it cannot be denied that the puritans’ “city upon a hill” had more in common with a totalitarian regime than with the spirit of the Bill of Rights passed in 1789, which embodies far better the values of the United States of America. Puritans were definitely not tolerant. Their culture was based on the principle of exclusion as they did not accept any religious belief that differed from theirs, and rejected and even persecuted people who dared think and act differently from them. The Puritans’ texts available today can make one understand how intolerant...
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...colonies as it fueled motives for their formation in America and contributed heavily to how the colonies were structured and governed. Many colonies formed in colonial America, were established as refuge from religious persecution. In New England, Massachusetts Bay colony was created as a place for Puritans to escape religious persecution, as they were unable to worship publicly and forced to pay taxes to the Church of England. They established Massachusetts Bay based on Governor John Winthrop’s essay “A Model Christian Society” which discussed how the colony should be viewed as “a city upon a hill.” The community of Massachusetts would be seen as the quintessential Christian society that stressed godliness and unity over individualism....
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...AMH 2041 Comparison Of Two Colonies North American history was believed to have started in 1620 with the discovery of Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. Seeking religious freedom from the corrupt Church of England, some 100 people departed on a journey from England to find a place where they could practice their beliefs of Calvinism and Lutheranism free from persecution2. They later formed denominations of Christianity called Separatism and Puritanism3. Although, these pilgrims established 13 original colonies in North America, the settlements of Virginia and Massachusetts show some striking similarities and differences. On one hand, religion as the major motivation, and on the other hand a financial venture sponsored by the queen. Massachusetts was given its name from a man named John Smith, an English explorer and was named after the native Massachusetts tribe that resided in the area. Other native tribes in the area were the Nauset, a fishing tribe located on Cape Cod; the Wampanoag in the southeast; the Massachusetts in the northeast; the Nipmuc, centrally; and the Pocumtuc, westward. Without their knowledge, Permanent English settlement would soon drastically impact the lives of the native peoples2. In 1630, Massachusetts Bay Colony was developed and occupied about 1,000 citizens. John Winthrop, the chief figure of the New England Puritans, gave a sermon called “A Model of Christian Charity,” suggesting ideas that the people should find a sense of community...
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...electrifies the skeptic, his cows crowding like skulls against high-voltage wire, his baby crying all night like a new machine. As in our Bibles, white-faced, predatory, the beautiful, mist-drunken hunter's moon ascends-- a child could give it a face: two holes, two holes, my eyes, my mouth, between them a skull's no-nose-- O there's a terrifying innocence in my face drenched with the silver salvage of the mornfrost. Robert Lowell Lowell was born in Boston, Massachusetts to a Boston Brahmin family that included poets Amy Lowell and James Russell Lowell. His mother, Charlotte Winslow, was a descendant of William Samuel Johnson, a signer of the United States Constitution, along with Jonathan Edwards, the famed Calvinist theologian, Anne Hutchinson, the Puritan preacher and healer, Robert Livingston the Elder, Thomas Dudley, the second governor of Massachusetts, and Mayflower passengers James Chilton and his daughter Mary Chilton. He received his high school education at St. Mark's School, a prominent prep-school in Southborough, Massachusetts, where he met and was influenced by the poet Richard Eberhart who taught at the school. Then Lowell...
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